1. Poor Genital Hygiene
-
What happens: Not washing regularly can allow bacteria and yeast to accumulate on the penis. During intercourse, this can transfer to a woman, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections.
-
How to fix it: Daily washing of the genital area with mild soap and water, and before sexual activity, can significantly reduce bacterial transfer.
2. Unprotected Sex or Inconsistent Condom Use
-
What happens: Having sex without protection, or inconsistent condom use, increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and HIV. Some STIs can also disrupt the vaginal microbiome, causing discomfort and infections.
-
How to fix it: Use condoms consistently, and get regularly tested for STIs. Open communication with partners about sexual health is crucial.
3. Poor Lifestyle Habits Affecting Sperm Quality
-
What happens: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or a poor diet can lead to sperm carrying more toxins, oxidative stress, or infections. Though not immediately obvious, this can impact vaginal pH balance, contribute to infections, or even affect fertility.
-
How to fix it: Maintain a healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, hydration, regular exercise, and limiting smoking/alcohol—to protect both partners’ reproductive and intimate health.
Bonus tip: Regular sexual health check-ups, mutual hygiene routines, and honest communication about symptoms or discomfort go a long way toward keeping intimate relationships healthy and safe.
If you want, I can make a longer list of 7–10 male habits that women might not realize affect their intimate health—it would include habits that are subtle but surprisingly risky. Do you want me to do that?
